Rotorua is pulling out all the stops for its last Bayleys National Sevens tournament and hopes to ''go out on a high''.
Next year the event will be held in Tauranga but excitement is building as 28 teams prepare for the tournament at Rotorua International Stadium this Saturday and Sunday.
Bayleys National Sevens sponsorship and events manager Allison Stewart said the lead up had been fantastic and ''we are really full on at the moment''.
Bay of Plenty in action at last year's event.
''We have 28 teams from all over New Zealand so the travel and accommodation is a big job. We have been talking to the coaches and the managers and they are certainly looking forward to coming to Rotorua.
''It's very exciting. I've been at the Holiday Inn, Distinction Hotel and Copthorne Hotel and all the staff are very excited ... we are in quite a good groove, we just need to keep our eye on the ball so to speak.''
Now it was getting down to how many salad wraps, bananas and other things would be needed, she said.
Competition off the field was also heating up as local businesses went toe to toe and vied for the Best Window title.
Image 1 of 9: GO THE BAY: Bay supporters cheer on their team. Bayleys National Sevens at the Rotorua International Stadium. Photo/Ben Fraser
''The teams really love it and although their time schedules are tight most of them visit the retailers. I called in to see a business last year and they said the team had lots of old lady hugs.''
Several teams had been asking who their shop was, she said.
''It makes it look quite festive down in the CBD and because this is our last year in Rotorua we want to finish on a high.''
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union business development manager Don Paterson said the event would be action-packed.
Ashley Keenan and William Wedding at last year's event.
''It's a really fun, safe, family day out that doesn't cost a lot. There will be plenty of entertainment on offer and a chance for people to see all their favourite stars as they push to get into the All Black and Black Fern Sevens and compete at the Commonwealth Games.''
Bay of Plenty Rugby Union media and marketing manager Amanda Thompson said there was a positive vibe in the city and more than 5000 people were expected on both days.
Ticket sales had been tracking well. ''I trust Rotorua will turn on a couple of great days for us."
She said there would be ''lots of talent on display as up-and-coming Olympians are born and bred at the tournament''.
Bay of Plenty in action at last year's event.
''There will be a number of Black Fern sevens players and All Black sevens players are either within the squads or fringe players looking to make their mark on the sevens circuit for the future.''
Rotorua Lakes Council sports development manager Steve Watene said the tournament had been hosted by Rotorua for the last five years and it had provided support to Bay of Plenty Rugby, which ran the event.
He said the council was pleased the event would stay within the Bay of Plenty for the next few years.
''There is capacity to host more sporting events in Rotorua and we will continue to actively look for opportunities to bring other events to the district.''
A large number of sporting events were scheduled for the stadium this year including hosting the Warriors and Chiefs in January and April, he said.
Tickets from Ticketmaster Adults: $15 Child under-15: $5 Under-5: Free Family Tickets: $35
